HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Light and Power Committee 1996-08-080
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
7.Light and Power Committee
August 8,1996
Committee:Chairman Hix,Trustees Baudek and Pauley
Attending:All
Also Attending:Light &Power Director Matzke,Assistant Town
Administrator Widmer,Deputy Clerk Kuehl
Absent:None
Chairman Hix called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
HIGHWAY 34 UNDERGROUND PRIMARY PROJECT -RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD
TRENCHING CONTRACT
The 1996 budget contains $175,000 for construction of the Hwy.34
Primary Underground Project which includes 5,300’of three phase
underground cable from the Hobby Horse east to the Estes Ark.
Five bids were requested for trenching,installation of conduit,
junctions boxes,and asphalt patching,and one bid was received
from Chief’s Landscaping for $56,470.Administrator Klaphake
requested that the contract include sections for erosion
prevention,use of proper cuts across newly-constructed driveways,
and coordination of digging and laying of wire to alleviate long
stretches of open trench.The Committee recommends Chief’s
Landscaping be awarded the contract,with the inclusion of above
concerns,to perform the work for the Hwy.34 underground project
at a cost not to exceed $56,470.
Chief’s Landscaping submitted a bid of $7,390 for installation of
conduits in the Municipal Building Parking Lot.This project will
extend an underground three phase circuit tie from the existing
underground along the Riverwalk,north under Elkhorn to the
existing line along the north boundary of the parking lot and will
include undergrounding of an existing line.The Committee
recommends Chief’s Landscaping perform the work for the Municipal
Building Parking Lot project at a cost not to exceed $7,390.
ELECTRIC SERVICE SHUTOFF -RECOMMENDATION OF POLICY CHANGE
Director Matzke explained that electric bills are mailed to each
customer allowing 15 days for on-time payment.Electric service is
discontinued when this amount exceeds $40.00 and 30 days in
arrears.A notice of discontinuance of service is mailed 10 days
prior to shutoff,and door hangers are posted at the entrance of
the residence or business 24 hours prior to shutoff.In July,570
10-day notices were mailed and 187 door hangers were placed.Up to
90%of these notices were habitual late payers.One Finance
Department employee spends approximately six hours monthly printing
the mailed notices and door hangers,and one Meter Department
employee spends at least two days placing the door hangers.The
following policy changes are recommended:
1.Raise the minimum to $50.00 before shutoff requiring Town
Board approval.
2.Implement a $10 charge for each door hanger placed
requiring Town Board approval.
3.Implement a 1%late charge for unpaid balances,which may
require a change to the Town’s electric rates.
Trustee Pauley expressed concern for those customers on extended
leave from Estes Park who would be unaware of a shutoff.Finance
Director Vavra explained that the Finance Office needs to be
notified by the customer of that situation,and alternatives,such
as advance payment,will be offered.Direct electric payment is
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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Light and Power Committee -August 8,1996 -Page 2
being investigated and will be offered to the customer by the end
of the year.Administrator Kiaphake questioned whether shutoff s
are conducted before verifying that the customer received the bill.
Director Vavra added that before shutoff,Finance attempts to
contact the customer by phone.Assistant to the Light &Power
Director Mangelsen noted that during extreme weather conditions,
shutoffs are not a common practice.Trustee Baudek questioned the
use of initiating a discount for early payers.Director Vavra will
research the possibility of such a program.The Committee
recommends approval of the proposed policy changes as presented.
LONG RANGE SYSTEM PLAN FINAL IMPACT STUDY -AUTHORIZATION TO
EXECUTE CONSULTING SERVICE CONTRACT
The final presentation of the Long Range System Plan was made at
the June 13 meeting which included capital improvements of
$8,124,000 over a 10-year period.A financial impact study is
needed to determine the effect of this expense on cash flow,fund
balance,electric rates,and long-term financing.The 1996 budget
includes $23,000 for completion of the Long Range Study.As M.E.
Kiburz has performed the Town’s light and power rate studies since
1990,the required information for this study is presently in their
computer system.The Committee recommends M.E.Kiburz perform the
financial impact study at a cost not to exceed $4,000.
METER DEPARTMENT VEHICLE -REQUEST TO RETAIN IN FLEET
The previously-approved purchase of a Jeep Wrangler included a
trade-in allowance of $6,500 for the current Jeep.The Line
Department has requested this Jeep remain in the fleet to be used
by the Materials Management Specialist for delivery and pickup of
materials and as a replacement for other vehicles being serviced.
The vehicle which was used for this purpose is being used for
underground locates.The Committee recommends the Jeep previously
specified for trade-in remain in the fleet.Director Matzke noted
that this Jeep will be replaced in the 1997 budget process.
REPORTS
Director Matzke presented the Financial Reports for June.
Platte River Power Authority:Assistant Administrator Widmer
reported that the following items were discussed at the July Board
Meeting:the proposed 1997 capital budget includes the Marys Lake
Substation upgrade and SCADA equipment;negotiation of a large user
rate and undergrounding of service to a new pharmaceutical firm in
Longmont;proposed study to determine the acceptance of “green
sources”(wind/solar)as primary source of power;and possible
funding of an electric rail project along the Front Range.A tour
of the Rawhide Power Plant and dispatch center is scheduled for
August 15.
Project Updates:Staff is requesting proposals for renovation of
the Fall River Hydro Plant,including cost estimates.A
recommendation is anticipated at the September Light and Power
Committee meeting.The Hwy.34 street light project and the Marys
Lake/Spur 66 undergrounding project are nearing completion.The
automatic meter reading equipment will be installed and software
tested this month.
There being no further business,Chairman Hix adjourned the meeting
at 9:10 a.m.
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Tina Kuehi,Deputy Town Clerk
AUQ131996
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